For the past few weeks we’ve been spotlighting the many ways we’re making LEGOLAND® Florida Resort more inclusive for guests with autism spectrum disorders. As Autism Awareness Month continues, let’s turn our attention to the future for a moment.

We believe we’ll always be in a state of continuous improvement, building on existing efforts and learning new and better ways to deliver outstanding service.

Guest Experience Manager Autum Bassham said the resort will remain open to new insights and feedback from guests about ways to improve the services we have in place today.

“Our resort should be constantly changing,” she said. “With any cognitive disability, there are always new findings. Understanding these will help us develop better training for our Model Citizens and upgrade our offerings for guests.”

For Katy Formella, a senior manager in Autism Speaks’ southeastern regional office, the opportunity to work with LEGOLAND Florida Resort was a welcome one.

“We are so excited to see all the great things LEGOLAND is doing to help spread awareness, acceptance and understanding,” she said. “It’s so incredible when organizations like yours take on the big task and commitment to be autism friendly. You are leading the way for others and it’s a wonderful example to the world of inclusion. Thanks for making a difference for our families.”

According to LEGOLAND Health Services supervisor Ken Flanders, we’re just getting started. He said he envisions an expanded slate of services in the future, including more Model Citizens trained to recognize and respond to the needs of guests on the autism spectrum, and greater awareness about how we can make the resort more enjoyable for an even greater number of guests.

Got an idea about how we can make our resort even more awesome? Leave a reply and tell us!

Making LEGOLAND® Florida Resort more welcoming to guests with autism spectrum disorders has required the teamwork of multiple departments over the past year, which is why our “Hero Action Team” is comprised of Model Citizens from many different areas.

Over the past year, a team made up of representatives from many different LEGOLAND Florida Resort departments has been working together to make the resort more enjoyable for guests on the autism spectrum.

During Autism Awareness Month in April, we’ll offer a glimpse at the personal commitments made by many of our leaders to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

“No child or person should feel as if they cannot do something due to any disability they may have,” said Nick Parham, a member of the resort’s Education team. “I’m extremely passionate about creating an environment that reaches out to all people, no matter the circumstances.”

Amanda Becerra, a manager within Food & Beverage Operations, agrees.

“I really love the opportunity for families to be able to enjoy their vacation knowing that their child is going to feel safe, and most importantly, have fun,” she said.

Creating an environment that’s both safe and fun starts with the orientation program every new Model Citizen attends, explained Adriana Eraso, who leads the resort’s Admissions team.

“We have department-specific training that provides information about how to interact with guests on the autism spectrum,” she said, adding that the resort’s HR department also devotes a portion of training for all new hires that helps them better recognize and understand the unique needs of those guests and their families.

Within the Public Safety department, Security supervisor Benjamin Peacock has implemented bi-weekly meetings and monthly updates so that his team will better understand guests on the autism spectrum and the challenges theme parks often present for their enjoyment.

Addressing those challenges led to the creation of “social stories,” illustrated, step-by-guides to attractions and shows that prepare LEGOLAND guests for what to expect, whether it be periods of darkness, loud noises or other elements that can be frightening or overwhelming.

“As a department, my team has worked very hard to meticulously create every social story for the park,” said Haley Travis, a coordinator within Training and Development, “as well as a quick reference guide that explains what each ride and show has to offer.” The goal, she explained, was to help families more efficiently plan their day.

“We continuously teach our team to, above all, be patient with each guest and treat everyone with the respect they deserve,” she said.

As part of Autism Speaks’ “Light It Up Blue” campaign, which honors April 2’s World Autism Awareness Day, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort lit several of its miniature LEGO® landmarks in blue.

For Autism Awareness Month, which is observed in April, we’re showing our support for the many guests with autism spectrum disorders who visit us from around the world, along with their families and caregivers.

Each year around the world, landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes unite by shining bright blue lights in support of individuals and families affected by autism.

Like we did last year, we’re once again taking part in Autism Speaks’ “Light It Up Blue” campaign in honor of April 2’s World Autism Awareness Day. Each year, iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism. This year we lit some of the miniature LEGO® landmarks in MINILAND USA in blue.

Come build with us during April 22’s Autism Speaks Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

On Saturday, April 22, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will host a hands-on building opportunity for kids during the Autism Speaks Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and on Saturday, Nov. 11 during the Autism Speaks Walk at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Through a special promotion during Autism Awareness Month, LEGOLAND Florida Resort will contribute $15 of the proceeds from each ticket sold to the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks supporters can purchase print-at-home theme park tickets at a discounted rate of $45 plus tax, a $48 savings off the price of an adult ticket purchased at the resort’s ticket windows. This offer only will be available online through Autism Speaks from April 1 through May 31, 2017.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort will participate in Autism Speaks Walks in Tampa, Fla., on April 22 and in Altamonte Springs, Fla., on Nov. 11.

Like the “we care” value we live by, “Being a Force for Good” is another campaign our parent company conducts around the world to improve and enhance the communities we operate in and the guests we serve.

Our efforts to make LEGOLAND Florida Resort a more enjoyable experience don’t end with the activities and efforts described this week, however. We welcome your feedback on more ways we can ensure that each and every guest who visits us has a truly brick-tastic day, every day.

Over the past year, we’ve made a lot of progress in our ongoing efforts to make LEGOLAND® Florida Resort a more welcoming place for guests with autism spectrum disorders. With April designated as Autism Awareness Month, here’s a look at some of the new services and initiatives we’ve launched:

The special “Blue Hero Pass,” available at Guest Services, allows guests with autism spectrum disorders and their party to bypass the standby line at popular attractions.

To assist guests who have difficulty waiting in line, we’ve created a pass specifically for guests on the autism spectrum. Available inside the theme park at Guest Services near Market Restaurant, the no-cost “Blue Hero Pass” allows the guest and his or her family or group to bypass the standby line at popular attractions.

Multiple “quiet rooms” located throughout the resort offer a private space where guests on the autism spectrum can relax with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets and a variety of soothing toys.

We’ve also modified several guest areas working in partnership with the North and Central Florida chapter of Autism Speaks. Specially equipped spaces in our Annual Pass, First Aid and Baby Care facilities now serve as designated “quiet rooms” where quests who are on the autism spectrum and their families can take a break. Noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, squishy toys and LEGO® building tables are some of the complimentary resources available. A similar space also is available within Guest Services at LEGOLAND Water Park.

Working in consultation with Autism Speaks, our Training & Development team has created “social stories” that offer an illustrated, step-by-step walkthrough of every ride and show, so guests won’t be surprised by periods of darkness, loud noises, bright lights or other elements that sometimes can be frightening or overwhelming. They’re available for review at Guest Services in the theme park.

Multiple teams throughout LEGOLAND Florida Resort have been working together over the past year to make the vacation destination a more enjoyable place for guests with autism spectrum disorders, as well as their families and caregivers.

A great pre-arrival resource is our extensive Guide for Guests with Disabilities, a printable PDF file that addresses common questions about medical and mobility restrictions, plus accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dr. Craig Glaser

The resort’s newly hired Model Citizens now receive specialized training to prepare them with skills and sensitivities needed to more effectively interact with guests on the autism spectrum and their families or caregivers. Consultations include Dr. Craig Glaser, the resort’s medical director, who also serves as medical director of Winter Haven’s Urgent Care Cypress facility.

Our parent company, Merlin Entertainments, operates under a set of values that includes “we care,” and by working together and in partnership with organizations like Autism Speaks, we’re committed to ensure that the place #BuiltForKids is truly built for all kids.

We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding efforts to accommodate guests with special needs by partnering with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, to make our kid-centric theme park a more welcoming place for guests with autism.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort lit its whimsical entrance arch with blue spotlights in honor of World Autism Awareness Day, part of the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” campaign.

Working closely with Autism Speaks, we recently installed large panels of hands-on, sensory-stimulating activities in a quiet space inside the theme park, the first of several planned projects designed to make LEGOLAND® Florida Resort a more autism-friendly destination for children and families.

Under the partnership, Autism Speaks staff members and volunteers will consult on the development and installation of “quiet rooms” and other resort facilities designed to meet the needs of guests with autism. The organization also will help LEGOLAND Florida Resort create online “social stories” that will provide illustrated walkthroughs of our attractions, shows and other guest amenities, and will consult on other autism-friendly initiatives such as a park map designed for guests with special needs and possible revisions to our existing Guests with Disabilities Guide.

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, observed on April 2, we’re participating in the Autism Speaks “Light It Up Blue” campaign by shining blue spotlights on our whimsical LEGOLAND Florida entrance arch. Each year, iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, schools, businesses and homes across the globe unite by shining bright blue lights in honor of the millions of individuals and families affected by autism.